GCSE Graphic Products Techniques and Processes Summer Examination 2011

Mock-ups, models and prototypes What are mock-ups, models and prototypes? These are examples of what the final product might look like. They are usually 3D, but can also be 2D drawings. Models are used to show clients or customers elements of a design to help make it easier to understand a concept. For example a car manufacturer would produce a prototype of a new car – a life size working model that can be used for testing, development and evaluation. It can also test market interest. MODEL: A graphic presentation of the item you are designing. It is often a scaled down (smaller) version of the design. PROTOTYPE: A life size (scale 1:1) working model of a design, used for testing, development and evaluation. MOCK-UP: A model, often full size, of a design to allow for evaluation; a working model of a product built for study, testing or display.

Scale During the design process, manufacturers will make a model, mock-up or prototype. This does not have to be actual size however. When designing a new shop for instance it would be difficult to show potential customers a life size model of the new shop, therefore the manufacturer would make a model of the shop. It is important to make sure the scale of the model is appropriate for the design. Usually you would design spaces such as shops, cafes, buildings 100 times smaller than in reality. The scale would therefore be 1:100. Examples of scales are below: ScaleUses 2:1 Twice full sizeA small intricate item, such as an earing. 1:1 Actual sizeA hand held object, such as a mobile phone. 1:2 Half sizeA small electrical device, such as a laptop computer. 1:10A piece of furniture 1:100A house or garden 1:500A very large building, such as a sports stadium.

Sheet and block modeling materials Which material should you use? Modeling materials: the range of materials used to produce high-quality 3D models. MaterialUsesTools UsedAdvantagesDisadvantagesSafetyBiodegradable StyrofoamBlock modellingFile, abrasive paper, acrylic paint Great for models Difficult to achieve high quality finish Ventilation, mask required. No Balsa WoodBlock ModellingFile, abrasive paper, acrylic paint Stronger than styrofoam Takes longer to shape NoneYes Plasticine or clay Block ModellingFingers and shaping tools Very quick to shape Difficult to achieve good finish NoneYes Foam BoardPoint of sale stands Craft knife, safety rule, laser cut. Rigid boards, easy to apply design/finish Difficult to hand cut curves Take care when cutting. No AcrylicPoint of sale stands Hacksaw, laser cutter, wet&dry paper Excellent finish, rigid, variety of colours ExpensiveWear gogglesNo Card (230 – 750 microns) Packaging, nets, cards Craft knife, safety rule, CAMM cutter Quick to shape, easy to apply graphics Easily bentTake care when cutting Yes Board (750 – 3000 microns) Architectural models Craft knife, safety rule More rigidMore expensiveTake care when cutting. Yes